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Breathe in. Hold. Out. The young Takamori knew these very steps quite well, meditation practices she had learned from her Uncle, and very quickly had taken to performing herself every day. A path to her inner peace, one which she found helpful in preparing herself for the day after the nightmares so fond of taking her while she slept. The cold air against her skin helped her with finding this peace, in an odd way, as she found the crisp feeling rather refreshing. Certainly, after she had joined her Uncle for his morning run, though she feared the exercise made keeping her breathes even rather difficult. Still, even that obstacle was not the one which rode heaviest upon the girl's back and kept her from truly finding that peace she sought. Instead, it was that horrid feeling of unease and worry in her gut. One caused by the obvious signs she had noticed from her Uncle. He was worried. Something that her Uncle rarely showed, no matter what might've been happening. Last she remembered him seeming even remotely close to this state... it had been as her mother laid ill and continued to worsen. 

[i][b]"How I wish I could remain in this moment forever."[/b][/i]

The sudden sound of her Uncle's voice cut clear through the sea of thoughts Fumiko was drifting upon, startling her slightly as Fumi let out a soft yelp of surprise. Her eyes flashed open as her face colored deeply from embarrassment. Turning her head to look over at her uncle, she hoped the man didn't particularly notice her previous outburst. Unfortunately for her, her uncle chuckled lightly before seeming to decide it was time to get back to work. As he immediately continued to address her, and beckon for her to walk with him. The girl got to her feet, straightening out her simple tunic as she nodded. A soft patter accompanied the smaller girl's hurried steps to catch up to her uncle, only slowing when she drew up by his side. She listened closely to everything her uncle had to tell her, nodding along as he assigned her the first task of her day. A simple enough one, and a task which gave her the chance to visit with Sumi-chan. 

[color=bc8dbf]"Will Kozo-San and Yoshie-San be helping as well? I think they'd love to be helpful as well!"[/color] Fumiko said in response, the tone of her voice and expression worn across her features plainly betraying that the girl was just about as innocent in her asking as her words suggested. Though moments later, she would quickly reach a hand out to grab her uncle's own. Stopping where she was, Fumiko used what leverage she could to make her Kenji stop and face in her. Her features now wearing a plain display of concern for the man opposite her. [color=bc8dbf]"Ojisan? You keep staring off towards the mountains, and you're clearly distracted. I know something worries you, is it something I can help with?"[/color] She asked, releasing her uncle's hand as she took a step back. Her brows furrowed as she heard his response, clearly brushing off her worries as nothing to worry about. [color=bc8dbf]"Ojisan! Please! The last time I saw you acting anything like this, mother was ill. Let me help, please."[/color] She tried to argue, but was met with the same response as earlier. Letting out a dejected sigh, and knowing she wouldn't get it out of him now, Fumiko finally gave up. [color=bc8dbf]"I'll go check in with Hayashi-San, but when we have time I want to talk to you. I'm worried about you when you act like this. I'm sure it will all be okay in the end but... I still worry."[/color] She said softly, giving a little smile towards her Uncle before bowing respectfully and heading off on her task. 

Around ten minutes later, Fumiko re-emerged from her home. Having changed from the tunic and pants that had been good for her run earlier into her standard Yukata. As she strode out of the estate, she was hard at work braiding a pink flower into her brunette hair. Overall, she knew it was less formal than would be needed for the festivities, but figured this manner of dress just fine for helping prepare. Humming a little tune, the youth was off to make her way to the Hayashi Estate. Humming a little tune to herself as she walked, Fumiko spread more roasted soybeans, from a little pouch she carried, on the street to help with the task that had already been started by many other villagers. Here and there, she gave friendly waves and greetings towards those who she passed. Though they were not always returned, some villagers being quite grumpy or unalert so soon after rousing from their slumber. 

Occasionally, the Takamori would stop her progress to help out or briefly chat with some of the villagers. Mostly to check in whenever she saw one of the elderly she cared for or the families of those children she watched. She helped some of the residents hang their unlit lanterns, delivered some paper dragons to the children, and helped one youth with braiding her hair for the festival. Overall, her occasional stops added a few minutes onto her journey though Fumiko much doubted that her Uncle would have any sort of issue with why she was delayed. Certainly, there was still plenty of work to do around the village, and no doubt Sumi-chan would have something with which Fumiko could assist. 

Arriving after an easy trek through the village, Fumiko wore a pleasant smile on her features as she approached the entrance to the estate. Knocking gently on the doorframe, Fumiko ensured there was only enough pressure applied to make the sound easily heard. [color=bc8dbf]"Sumi-Chan~"[/color] She called out, her tone playful as it always was whenever she visited her friend. [color=bc8dbf]"Takamori-San sent me by, he wants me to see if you're ready for the performance at noon! Need a hand getting set up?"[/color] She said, before taking a respectful step back as she waited for somebody to answer the door. It would either be Sumiko, or her elder sister answering. Though she liked to think the elder liked her well enough, Fumiko found herself rather hopeful it would be her friend who came to answer instead. After all, seeing a friendly face in the morning always seemed to brighten people's days!